As a serial entrepreneur, Dr. Julius D. Rone has solidified his status as a notable businessman who stands out among Africa’s elite. His intuition, business acumen, and ability to identify opportunities where others see failure have propelled him to the forefront. Over the years, this billionaire boss of UTM Offshore Limited —owners of Nigeria’s first Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG)— has expanded his coast beyond his chosen field of practice, while he also displays a unique ability to also translate those pristine ideas into concrete reality. His presence in the gas sector has been a dominating force, leaving an ineradicable mark wherever he ventures and positioning himself at the pinnacle of Nigeria’s gas industry.
Aside from his pedigree as a top-notch business strategist, Rone loves to create his own path. Little wonder he has scored many firsts in his business trajectory. Consistently, the tycoon, who will be 50 on June 25, has been making headlines and staying ahead of his peers while his remarkable qualities have set him far apart from ordinary business magnates across the continent. Throughout the year 2023, the genial gentleman fondly called ‘King of Gas’ was busy sealing lucrative deals worldwide while steering the industry forward on the African continent and further fortifying his influence and wealth. But not only was his fortune bloated but his mantelpiece has been busy with coveted plaques and medals. Last year alone, many organizations recognized him with various ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ awards for his esteemed position as one of Nigeria’s astute deal-makers. The year 2024 has started in a similar fashion for the billionaire. Since the beginning of the year, the Delta State-born Rone has earned several recognitions across the country. Just last Saturday, Rone shone brilliantly in Lagos where he received the award as Oil and Gas Personality of the Year 2023 at an award ceremony put together by one of the leading national newspapers in recognition of his revolutionary contributions to the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Describing the award as a spur to redouble his efforts, Rone reiterated his commitment towards the growth and expansion of national gas productivity.